Proposals for the development of new housing at the Edmonstone Estate have been given the green light by Councillors on the Development Management Sub-Committee of City of Edinburgh Council, subject to conditions.

The 110 homes proposed for the Walled Garden and 8-Acre field element of the Edmonstone Estate, neighbouring the BioQuarter and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary at Little France, will be developed by new house-builder, Edmonstone Homes.

The development already had planning permission for the same number of homes, but these revised proposals will now see 82 developed in the 8-Acre field and 28 in the Walled Garden (previously 63 in the 8-Acre field and 47 in the Walled Garden).

The 110 family homes will be a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes and will include terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. A quarter of these (28) will be for affordable housing and the rest for private sale.

The housing will provide a significant contribution to addressing Edinburgh's family housing shortage and the City Council has identified South East Edinburgh as a major growth area as part of its 20-year vision for the City. It is close to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the proposed Sick Kids Hospital, Shawfair Business Park and BioQuarter development, identified by the Scottish Government as an Enterprise Zone.

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There are obvious benefits in locating new homes close to jobs and other facilities, as well as good public transport links.

It is anticipated that houses will start in price at £250,000 for the three bedroom homes rising to £475,000 for the five bedroom homes.

The project will also deliver 200 construction jobs and a new access road that is being fully funded by Edmonstone Homes. Contributions are also being made for primary school education and affordable housing.

The homes have been designed with the history of the site in mind, using high quality materials, such as natural slate, while stone features are being incorporated to echo the original estate buildings. 

The existing woodland will be added to and generous green spaces incorporated into the landscape design to complement and provide better access to the surrounding countryside.    

It is anticipated that construction will start on site in late summer 2014, with the first houses ready for occupation before Christmas.

Nicola Moore, for Edmonstone Homes said: "We are delighted to have received planning permission, subject to conditions, and are looking forward to getting on site and beginning construction of these much-needed family homes.

"This is an exciting opportunity and as a new housebuilder we are looking to put our mark on this and use it as an exemplar for any other developments we are seeking to progress.

"The Council has identified South East Edinburgh as a major growth area as part of its 20-year vision for the City. With the Bioquarter and Shawfair Business Park continuing to develop in close proximity, there are obvious benefits in locating new homes close to jobs and other facilities, as well as good public transport links.

"The family houses we are providing are not only in a much-desired location, but are also highly affordable and we look forward to come forward with further details on these in due course."

(MH/JP)